Napier

As of May 2026, Napier, Hastings, Havelock North have 736 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 12% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Napier generates NZ$38K per year. High-performing properties earn NZ$68K/year, while low-performing properties earn NZ$15K/year. The substantial revenue spread suggests that market performance is heavily bifurcated, where top-tier assets capture significantly larger portions of available demand despite a double-digit contraction in total market revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Napier. Average annual revenue is NZ$38K with 37% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to NZ$68K/year. The 37% occupancy rate highlights a competitive landscape where high-performing units rely on capturing a disproportionate share of limited bookings to maximize returns.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Napier is 37%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of NZ$310, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of NZ$69 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Napier, with annual revenue of NZ$66K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Napier market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Napier area. Napier: Lenient. No specific STR regulations or permit requirements. Operates under standard district plan rules. Minimal enforcement. Hastings: Lenient. No dedicated STR licensing system. Subject to general district plan and resource consent if required. Light enforcement. Havelock North: Lenient. Falls under Hastings District Council jurisdiction. No specific STR permits needed. Minimal enforcement, operates informally. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Napier Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 12% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 23%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. This simultaneous contraction suggests that while listing volume is tightening, the overall demand environment is softening at a faster pace, placing downward pressure on unit profitability.

Launch around October, 2-3 months before peak winter season (January peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is -59% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (July-August) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Napier listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (89%), Heating (82%), Washing Machine (78%), Air Conditioning (75%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Pool, Gym, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 91% more (NZ$79K/year vs NZ$42K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Napier over the last 12 months: May: NZ$2K, June: NZ$1K, July: NZ$1K, August: NZ$1K, September: NZ$2K, October: NZ$2K, November: NZ$2K, December: NZ$3K, January: NZ$3K, February: NZ$2K, March: NZ$2K, April: NZ$3K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Napier is NZ$310, up 3% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average NZ$183/night, 2-bedroom properties average NZ$269/night, 3-bedroom properties average NZ$365/night, 4+ bedroom properties average NZ$625/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in August.

Guests in Napier book an average of 31 days in advance, down 24% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 29 days, 2-bedroom: 33 days, 3-bedroom: 30 days, 4+ bedroom: 34 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Napier Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 12%, revenue per listing decreased 23%, occupancy fell 22%, average nightly rates increased 3%, and lead time decreased 24%. These metrics reveal a shift toward short-notice bookings, suggesting that hosts are facing increased booking volatility despite the reduction in active market supply.

In Napier, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 23% higher occupancy than weekdays.